Oil change screw up

Breathe in, breathe out, move on. I consider myself to have -2 mechanical skills (on a scale of 1 to 10) in that I usually end up breaking 2 more things and not really fixing the original problem..........

 

I've the skills, first car being a $75 chevy. Had to learn to keep it on the road. Then could climb in engine compartment, sit on the fender and change out the plugs! Also had garage to work in. And, oil pan was much larger than tranny pan! Now no place but apt. complex park lot and landlords frown on auto repair. So oil change was quick and stealthy. Too quick apparently!!!
Thankfully no subsequent engine/tranny damage. It's all good.

 

Sorry to hear but sounds like an easy fix

 

What did the dealer end up hitting you up for bill wise?

 

$160 + tax.

 

My last oil change, I was teaching my son how to change the oil, and I almost forgot to put the new oil in. Ironically, he's the one that caught my mistake.

 

Don't forget about the mysterious extra bolt or two that we (guys like us) end up with at the end!

 

Honestly I have the same question. It seems A LOT of people on here do it for some reason

 

Before I do anythug on my truck I research it. l search online and YouTube and watch as many videos as l can find. I then ignore the bad ones.(After watching a few you can start to tell the sources that are more reliable).
l also check TW and see what advise has been given here. I take my time.

I used to work on my cars all the time. But this was my first Tacoma, and l did not want a false sense of confidence to lead me into a problem.

It's all a learning experience to me. But it's with it.

 

^Yep, I remember changing the door handles. "I know how to remove door handles. Ya pull the door panel, peel back the plastic vapor barrier, unhook linkage rods and unbolt handle." Wrong. When I couldn't figure that out, I searched TW and found out all that's necessary is 1 plastic plug and 1 bolt in the edge of the door jamb. Doh!

 

Probably too late now, but I bet 100% you could have fixed this right up.

I'd drive wherever it is, dump some ATF in there and drive it home to get it fixed up.

Frigg a bunch of dealer markup

 

Don’t let this discourage you. Shit happens. At least you caught it!!!

As for saving money, keep a lookout for Mobile One rebates, typically released in the Spring. I got 4 5-quart jugs for what nets to $12 each.

Search Amazon and Ebay for deals on filters in bulk- I think I paid $30 bucks for a case of 10 two years ago.

I typically splurge on the $1 for the crush washer at the dealership.

I figure I spend under $20 each time I change my oil. My town has a heater at the transfer station that takes all used fluids..

 

That's a good way to burn up your transmission.

 

It sometimes best to pay up for piece of mind alone.

 

How much is piece of mind?

Is it as valuable as peace of mind?

 

How exactly will adding ATF to a transmission that doesnt have ATF cause it to burn up?

I've done it to countless vehicles and I'll bet you a Moon Pie that I care more than some quick lane guy at the dealer

 

Driving it after draining the pan will cause the pump to suck air. The clutches and bands are applied by hydraulic pressure supplied by the pump. Pump pumping air means insufficient pressure to apply the clutches and bands which results in the transmission slipping which wears the clutches and bands.

 

Again, adding fluid then driving it. How exactly do you think a pump works?

It draws from the pan into the system.

It has to start at empty at some point, or any point after a full service.

 

Maybe there's some miscommunication on your part. "I'd drive wherever it is" Drive your moped to the truck? Drive the truck to somewhere? Wherever what is? the truck? The transmission fluid? The nearest bar?

 

Ok let's start over.

Get yourself to wherever it was towed. Uber Lyft can family or friend or another car. Your choice

Pour in the correct 5 qts of fluid it specs

Maybe put 4 and check

Drive the MFer home and do a final check of fluid level since it's now warm


Was that so difficult or am I just a complete idiot?